According to Spanish media, Barcelona is seriously considering signing Denzel Dumfries. The Dutch international can be acquired from Inter Milan for 25 million euros until July 15, making the 29-year-old right-back an interesting option for the Spanish champions.
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The rumors about Barcelona’s interest in Denzel Dumfries gained real momentum on Wednesday, when respected transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Dutch full-back is available for a fixed fee of 25 million euros until mid-July.
This clause in his contract allows clubs to trigger the release from Inter Milan without entering lengthy negotiations, and Romano added that Barcelona’s interest in Dumfries is not new it has been brewing for several months now. The Catalan press, particularly outlets like Sport and Mundo Deportivo, have since confirmed that the club views Dumfries as a highly appealing reinforcement for the right-back position, one that has posed ongoing tactical challenges in recent seasons.
The renewed attention to Dumfries comes in part due to his standout performances against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals. Over the two legs, the 29-year-old made a huge impact from his right-wing-back position. At the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Montjuïc), he stunned the Barça defense with two goals and an assist an uncharacteristically attacking contribution for a defender and then followed it up at San Siro with another dominant display, registering two more assists. His strength, stamina, and constant overlapping runs gave Barça's defense headaches and showcased exactly the kind of physicality and verticality that has often been missing from the club’s back line.
Hansi Flick, who recently took over as Barcelona's head coach, was reportedly left very impressed by Dumfries’ performances. According to Sport, Flick informed the club’s board after the two-legged tie that he would welcome the addition of a more dynamic, attack-minded right-back contrasting with the current options like Jules Koundé, who is a more conservative, defensive player. Although Flick respects Koundé’s tactical discipline and defensive work rate, he reportedly wants a more balanced approach on the flanks, particularly on the right side, to support his vision of a high-tempo, pressing game with rapid transitions.
Up to this point, Barcelona’s transfer focus had been elsewhere, primarily centered around the long-awaited signing of a new goalkeeper, which was resolved with the arrival of Joan García, and on the offensive front with Nico Williams, whose move from Athletic Bilbao is now entering its final stages. With those operations nearly finalized, club officials are now turning their attention to other key areas of the squad and Dumfries has emerged as one of the most realistic and valuable targets.
Although initial interest hadn’t translated into formal negotiations, that may soon change. Jorge Mendes, who recently became Dumfries’ new agent, has already moved swiftly by offering his client to Barcelona and emphasizing the opportunity presented by the release clause. Mendes' involvement significantly increases the likelihood of a deal, given his long-standing relationship with Barcelona and his reputation for brokering major moves involving top talents.
From a financial standpoint, Dumfries is seen as a rare market opportunity. A 25 million euro price tag is considered modest in today’s inflated market, especially for a player with significant experience in the Champions League, Serie A, and international competitions with the Netherlands. Barcelona is working within strict financial fair play regulations imposed by La Liga, particularly the so-called 1:1 rule, which limits spending based on income and savings. But signs are positive: the club has already reduced its wage bill by offloading Clément Lenglet and Ansu Fati two players with hefty contracts who were not part of Flick’s plans and more exits are reportedly in the pipeline.
Additionally, the club has ramped up revenue efforts, including the sale of VIP seats and new commercial deals, which could help Barcelona meet the 1:1 rule more comfortably. While the July 15 deadline for activating the release clause adds some pressure, Mundo Deportivo suggests that even if that window closes, Inter may still be open to negotiating a transfer, especially if Dumfries expresses a desire to join Barça.
In footballing terms, Dumfries fits the profile of a modern full-back that Flick wants to build around fast, physical, capable of overlapping and defending one-on-one situations, and with the engine to contribute in both penalty areas. His addition would bring a different dimension to the team, helping balance the attacking structure and offering much-needed width on the right.
If Barcelona follows through, it could mark one of the more strategic and impactful moves of their summer not a marquee signing in terms of media buzz, but potentially a vital piece in rebuilding a team that needs to combine tactical solidity with attacking versatility.
Updated: 12:09, 3 Jul 2025
